Best Dinner Places to Eat in Massachusetts

"In a town full of lobster rolls, one stands out — the warm lobster roll at Neptune’s. Though you can choose for it to be warm or cold, definitely go for the warm one. This version contains no celery or other fillers, and is dressed with drawn butter aka heaven and is served with a side of crisp fries."

"Neptune’s menu hints at Italian, but you’ll also find elements of Mexican, French, Southern and old-fashioned New England. The impressive raw bar and daily seafood specials confirm that this is not your... Bakery in West End & North End"

"Rumor has it that when humanity goes to Mars to build a replica Earth after we destroy the original, Space Boston will be so small that we’ll only have room for one seafood restaurant. Island Creek Oyster Bar, which represents the platonic ideal of New England seafood, is going to be that restaurant. The Kenmore Square spot was opened by the people behind the Island Creek Oyster Farm, who probably know more about what it takes to make great seafood than just about anyone else currently alive."

"This lively "workingman's oyster bar" is the embodiment of Boston's current New England dining scene. Row 34 is one of several key players in the Fort Point restaurant boom, drawing massive crowds (in pre-COVID times) to a once-quiet section of town. With a creative beer list, ultra-fresh seafood, and some of the best lobster rolls in town, Row 34 is one of the trickiest reservations to snag."

"This venerable, decades-spanning stalwart in Harvard Square, which happens to have one of the best patios around, remains a fine-dining favorite in a trending-casual industry. It’s the kind of place that is excellent for entertaining the in-laws over mignonette-dabbed oysters or boards bearing local cheeses; waffles topped with fried chicken, decadent foie gras butter and wild apple purée; and buttermilk biscuits enhanced with rose rhubarb jam and almond crémeux. Don’t relegate Harvest to special occasions, though."

"Renowned in Cambridge for high-quality dining, Harvest has won numerous awards for its food, wine and service. Serving contemporary New England cooking, it can be found right on Harvard Square where it has been a regular sight since the 1970s. Harvest describes itself as a welcome respite from the hectic life of the square, boasting elegant decor and a relaxing ambience."

"When this trendsetter opened four years ago, it was credited with kicking off Harvard Square’s dining renaissance. Since then, it has become the center of chef Michael Scelfo’s growing empire — he opened the seafood-focused Waypoint(entrées $15–$23) two years ago, and this fall he’ll launch the bar-restaurant Longfellow upstairs from Alden & Harlow. But the subterranean dining room of his original restaurant is still buzzing every night, packed with a crowd that feels like a true Cambridge cross section, from proud college parents to twentysomething entrepreneurs."

"The smoked chocolate bread pudding with sea salt ice cream at Alden & Harlow just melts in your mouth." —Robert Gonzalez, pastry chef at Bistro du Midi. "The chocolate torte with a cherry compote, smoked almonds, and black raspberry ice cream. It was a flourless chocolate cake that was moist and perfectly warmed. It had a contrast of textures and flavors that all worked together in unison." —Hannah Lurier, executive pastry chef at Alta Strada Wellesley"

"Restaurants Contemporary American Harvard Sq. Chef-owner Michael Scelfo churns out some of Cambridge's most inventive weekend brunch offerings. Pickled corn pancakes jockey for attention alongside the likes of hickory smoked pig tails with cheese crisps, grits, and a soft poached egg."

"Guy Fieri opened his first Boston restaurant in late 2019, adding Guy Fieri’s Tequila Cocina to his long portfolio of restaurants. Located in the new Hub on Causeway complex next to TD Garden, the Latin-inspired menu features appropriately on-brand items like Trash Can Nachos (served in a can that a server upends on a plate in front of you), as well as selections of small and large plates ranging from salsa and chips and tacos to roasted pork shank and crispy whole snapper. There’s also an enormous menu of tequilas and if you can’t make up your mind, you can order a flight to sample a few."

"In case you missed Guy Fieri’s “Trash Can Nachos,” well, they’re back. Tequila Cocina will be open from 12-8pm, Fri-Sun."

"For years, Soheil Fathi helped run his family’s successful bakery in Tehran, Iran. After moving to America, though, he had to start from scratch—and incidentally, “made from scratch” also describes the breads and sweets you’ll find at the just-opened, latest incarnation of La Saison in Cambridge. There you’ll find amazing apricot-pistachio and fig-walnut loaves of sourdough; flaky kouign-amann (which is similar to a croissant); feta-za’atar scones; fudgy “marble” brownies with swirls of cheesecake; and crispy crackers spiced with turmeric or smoked paprika."

"La Saison Bakery opened near Fresh Pond in November 2020, but its roots stretch back to 2000 in Tehran, Iran, where Soheil Fathi got his start delivering his mother’s baked goods to local coffee shops. After assisting his mother for many years, Fathi opened a chocolate shop in Tehran (also called La Saison), before eventually arriving in Cambridge. After some time spent working at Flour Bakery, he opened the new incarnation of La Saison with co-owner Sarah Moridpour."

"The best place in Boston to grab a cupcake from is Georgetown Cupcake. Originally from DC, this cupcake joint is filled to the brim with amazing flavors. Plus, they rotate out depending on the day and time of year!"

"The ice cream: There’s a reason why you’ll often find lines of eager customers waiting at Cabot’s. The longtime shop is a favorite among parents and kids alike, serving up classic sundaes, ice cream sodas, malteds and frappes. The classic diner ambience only adds to the experience."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors. This Newton family favorite has been scooping ice cream since 1969. It feels a little older and is styled like a classic 1950s diner and ice cream parlor."

"Cabot's traditional ice cream sundae! Ice cream sundaes are my go-to dessert if I have a sweet craving, and I've been going to Cabot's since I was a kid." —Kenny Hoshino, pastry chef at Alden & Harlow and Waypoint"

"Sugar & Spice Thai took a little breather, but they’re back open again for takeout and delivery. They’re still also doing their amazing “Free Meal Sundays,” where anyone can pick up free fried rice between 12-2:30pm, no questions asked."

"We just happen to stop in while visiting another store and what a great surprise!. The food was great, we got a curry and drunken…"

"Another restaurant in the Porter Exchange food hall, Cafe Mami also serves Japanese dishes, including donburi and more. Try one of the hamburg steak sets, which feature a marinated hamburger patty with rice, a salad, and miso soup. Note: Cafe Mami is cash only."

"This Japanese spot inside of Lesley’s Porter building is open for takeout. Call ahead at (617) 547-9130 to ask for the daily menu and place an order."